Quirky quality

A quirky designer feel is evident in the hotel lounge at W Singapore Sentosa Cove.

Lisa Carapiet

W Hotels are known for their quirky take on design and customer service. The chain’s new resort at Singapore’s Sentosa Cove is no exception. A mirror with a built-in moustache in your room foyer, a party in the lobby every night and “whisper booths” (shaped like wooden helmets) where you can take your calls quietly are the little things that make W Singapore Sentosa Cove memorable.

LOCATION

Sentosa Cove is a new and prestigious residential area on Singapore’s Sentosa Island. The 240-room hotel is about 30 minutes to the shopping district on Orchard Road and 40 minutes to the airport. It’s slightly isolated so those after a resort experience will love it. The hotel appears popular with families and corporate groups. If you want a taxi, call the concierge 20 minutes before you have to leave.

THE ROOM

Room 344 is a “Fabulous Room”, with a king-size bed and plenty of technical features: a 40-inch Samsung television with Bose surround sound system, iPod docking station, free Wi-Fi, DVD player and a recharging dock for any type of phone. The fun part is the lighting moods – Hello, Escape, Runway and Flirt – which can turn your room into a moody purple disco if you wish.

The minibar is extensive but don’t get duped into drinking the $S8 ($6.30) water in the bathrooms as there are free bottles of water by the bed. The balcony overlooks the pool and South China Sea. Instead of a single chocolate on your pillow when your bed is turned down, you get a whole block.

THE BATHROOM

There’s a stand-alone bath, basin, mirror and shower with two shower heads, although one leaks even when it’s not turned on. The hotel uses plenty of cleverly named amenities including a vanity set, two toothbrushes and spare toilet paper labelled “Back-Up Plan”.

ROOM SERVICE

Room service is prompt. My aubergine, roasted red pepper and buffalo mozzarella panino with salad and chips (more like potato wedges) arrived within 25 minutes. The sandwich itself is tasty but snack-size, which is secretly a godsend after a huge buffet breakfast.

AMENITIES

The Kitchen Table features international cuisine stations. Breakfast is served here and it’s delicious (apart from the poached eggs that I ordered, which were transferred to my plate with lots of water from the pot. My breakfast was subsequently drowned.) Skirt is a new-concept steakhouse and whiskey bar. The Wet Bar is a swim in-and-out pool bar and Woobar is located in the lobby. (Try the Mojito and Bloody Mary – both are to die for.) There’s also a spa, gym and W Store stocked with a collection of carefully curated clothes and accessories.

Lisa Carapiet

New hotel with a few hiccups (as expected) but still a fun place to stay with exceptional service.